The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (Office of PSA) to the Government of India together with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have joined forces to design a new national Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020). This comes as the 5th STIP for India at a critical period where both India and the globe are facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Implications of STIP 2020
STIP 2020 aims to incorporate lessons from the pandemic. It seeks to support the development of a self-reliant India, or Atmanirbhar Bharat, by capitalizing on India’s strengths in research and development, science and technology workforce and institutions, large markets, demographic dividends, diversity, and data.
Formulation Process of STIP 2020
The creation of STIP 2020 is projected to last six months. The process consists of four significantly interrelated tracks. Track I involves a comprehensive public and expert consultation via the Science Policy Forum, which encourages input during and beyond the policy drafting stage. Track II includes expert-driven thematic consultations aimed at incorporating evidence-based recommendations into the policy drafting process – with 21 specialized thematic groups created for this purpose. Track III prioritizes intra-state and intra-department consultation with ministries and states. Lastly, Track IV comprises an apex level multi-stakeholder consultation.
Historical Overview of Previous STIPs
India’s first substantial scientific policy traces back to 1958 with the Scientific Policy Resolution, establishing the groundwork for scientific temperament in India. Following this was the Technology Policy Statement of 1983, promoting tech self-reliance through the development of indigenous technologies. Subsequently, the Science and Technology Policy of 2003 emphasized staying competitive globally through investing heavily in research and development. Finally, the decade from 2010 to 2020 was declared the decade of innovation with the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of 2013, which marked a shift towards a knowledge-based economy.
About the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser
Established in November 1999 by the Cabinet Secretariat, the Office of the PSA aims to develop policies and strategies for innovation and support systems. The office also generates science and technology tasks in partnership with government departments, institutions, and industry. The Principal Scientific Adviser serves as the Chairman to the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet, with the PM-STIAC facilitating the office’s operations.
Role of the Department of Science and Technology
Founded on 3rd May 1971, DST plays a vital role in funding, policy-making, and coordinating scientific work with other countries. Similar to the model of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of USA, DST empowers scientists and scientific institutions. It also works alongside a highly distributed system involving stakeholders ranging from school, college, students undertaking PhD and Postdoc, young scientists, startups to NGOs working in Science and Technology.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024